Chapter 2 - The Golden Cage and the First ThreatWithin minutes, the illusion of our safe family home was completely shattered, replaced by a suffocating prison. Marcus didn't let me reach my phone. He snatched it from the counter with terrifying speed, slipping it into his coat pocket before I could lunge for it.
"My daughter will be home in an hour," I choked out, desperately trying to keep my voice steady as I cradled Leo, whose breathing had thankfully slowed into a weak, shallow rhythm after I forced him to vomit the remaining juice.
"And she will find a very compliant mother," Marcus said, his eyes narrowing into cold slits. He crouched down to my eye level, his grip on my shoulder bruisingly tight. "You are going to tell her that Leo caught a sudden stomach flu. You are going to clean this kitchen spotless. And if you dare whisper a single word about what really happened, I will make sure your daughter suffers a tragedy far worse than a sick child."
My mind raced in sheer panic. My daughter, Sarah, was utterly blind to the monster she had brought into our lives. She worked long hours at the hospital, completely exhausted, and poured all her remaining affection into Marcus, believing he was the stabilizing force our fractured family desperately needed. If I fought him head-on right now, Leo would die, and Sarah's heart would be utterly destroyed.
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"Why?" I whispered, tears streaming down my wrinkled cheeks. "What could you possibly gain from hurting an innocent child?"
Marcus stood up, adjusting his immaculate collar with an unsettling nonchalance. "Some people collect art, Evelyn. I collect control. And right now, you are going to learn how to be a very good assistant."
